At least 34 people drowned after three boats capsized in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Thursday.

Two boats capsized in the swollen Gandak and Kosi rivers in Khagaria and Saharsa districts. The third boat capsized was reported in Darbhanga.

"Thirty-four people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents, mostly due to drowning. Most of the casualties were from Khagaria and Saharsa districts," the broadcaster said.

According to officials, a boat carrying 25 people was headed toward Ekania Diara when it was caught in a severe storm.

Five persons, including boatmen, swam to safety and alerted officials about the accident. Reports said some bodies have been recovered from the river.

In the second incident in Saharsa, a boat carrying 14 people capsized near Sahuri village near the eastern Kosi embankment. The third incident took place in Darbhanga.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed his condolences to the aggrieved families and directed district officials of Khagaria, Saharsa and Darbhanga to extend help to the victims' families.

Bihar is currently reeling under floods that have affected over 6.6 million people in 16 districts.

The authorities have sent in 20 teams of National Disaster Response Force and 13 teams of State Disaster Response Force to carry out rescue operations.

Officials said 480,884 people were evacuated in the affected districts. The floodwater has breached two embankments in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.

Kumar made an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of the state on Wednesday. 

(Cover image: file photo of Bihar via AP)